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Hot Town: Summer In The City

It's Festival Time In Chicago

It's funny about crowds; somehow, once the calendar flips to June, sun-starved Chicagoans -- weary of the get-back-home rut of winter -- start to long for them. But on one condition: that they're of the outdoor variety. Preferably involving live music. And, of course, people-watching. And lots of food and drink (and Port-A-Potties). Given this demand for summer fun, it's no surprise that Chicago has won itself a reputation as a city that knows how to maximize outdoor festivity when the weather is warm.

So for those with a desire to saunter around in sunshine -- or amble away balmy evenings -- in the company of a lot of other people who are in a good mood, the city once again delivers. This year's festival season comes in a variety of themes -- from June's Printer's Row Book Fair to July's Sheffield Garden Walk and August's Air and Water Show. In other words, when it's summer in the city, there's something for everyone.

WARM UP FOR CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL: A free outdoor concert to set the tone for the forthcoming festival. Features performances by Wailing Walter and the Blue Screamers; 5 p.m. June 3; Chicago Music Mart at DePaul Center, 333 S. State St. 312-362-6700.

BELMONT/SHEFFIELD STREET FESTIVAL: Features national, regional and local musicians, food and drink from local restaurants, and an area-wide sidewalk sale of clothing, jewelry and art; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 5, 6; Admission is a $5 donation to benefit the Central Lakeview Merchants Association; Lakeview, on Sheffield Avenue, from Belmont to Barry Avenues. 773-868-3010.